Nine suspects, armed with R4s, AK47s, pistols, and revolvers, allegedly robbed a store on corner Beatrice Street and Dukes Avenue in Windsor East shortly before 10pm last night, leaving a security guard hospitalised.
Linden police spokesperson, Captain Walter Spencer, said the suspects robbed the Windsor KwikSpar of cigarettes, money and ‘other items’.
According to private security companies, the suspects then hijacked a vehicle, fleeing towards Malanshof. They later abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
Community Support Services and other security companies including Trojan Security, Ghost Squad and ADT, reportedly managed to chase them down and a shootout ensued.
A Community Support Services guard was shot twice, but also managed to return fire, wounding one of the suspects. Both were taken to hospital and the suspect is under police guard.
The remaining suspects fled in a double cab bakkie, Spencer said.
Greg Pearce, owner of Community Support Services, said the guard is currently in surgery and believes he will recover.
Ward 98 councillor, Beverley Weweje, said the outlet’s employees are receiving counselling.
“I really commend the team effort between all the stakeholders involved in apprehending the suspects. A great display of teamwork,” she said.
Francois Marais, CEO of Ghost Squad, agreed.
“This was a perfect example of how security companies can work together in the common interest of the community they protect.
We commend the bravery of all officers involved and are proud of [how] they worked hand in hand with Linden [police] in order to bring dangerous criminal to justice.”
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